New Year Horoscopes

Just at the beginning of New Year, or even before, everyone start looking for New Year Horoscopes. The excitement is to have an idea as to what the coming year has in store for them. Though many seriously believe in the validity of the horoscopes most others just enjoy reading them. 

Popularity of New Year Horoscopes

Whether one believes in them or not, the truth is that New Year Horoscopes are extremely popular. Most newspapers, magazines, TV channels, calendars give detailed horoscopes reports to suit the fancy of their readers. These days one can also find New Year Horoscopes in many of the astrology websites. Besides, several astrologers, numerologists, tarot card readers publish books which claim to predict a person's future in coming year. These are very much in demand and even work as a New Year's gift. 

To trigger the minds of the readers, most New Year horoscopes give prediction on some of the most touching aspects of our life including career, love life, relationships, money matters, travel prospects, health etc. Many people feel that most of the the horoscopes give generalized or vague predictions which in some way or the other seems true for every one. At times people use selective thinking to fit the predictions into their lives. Well, whatever be the case, the fact remains that New Year predictions are extremely popular and the craze for them seems to be increasing amongst both the young and old. 

Various Kinds of New Year Prediction 

Different theories are used to predict one's future. Some of the most popular ones include:

Sun Sign Astrology

Sun Sign astrology is one of the most popular form of traditional Western astrology. This is quite popular in newspaper columns. This system describe a map of the zodiac at the time of one's birth. The zodiac is divided into twelve zones of the sky, each named after the constellation that originally fell within its zone (Taurus, Leo, etc.). The apparent paths of the sun, the moon, and the major planets all fall within the zodiac.

Tarot Cards

Tarot Cards are quite popular in present times. These are considered powerful tools for those with the ability to interpret the cards. Traditionally, there are 78 cards in a Tarot Card deck and is separated into two parts - the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. The type of Tarot Card deck used is based upon personal preference.

Chinese Astrology

Chinese Astrology is one of the oldest types of Astrology and is popular all over the world. Each Chinese Astrology sign is represented by an animal. There are 12 animal signs in total, each corresponding to a lunar year. Each of these signs also having 5 elements namely, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. In certain years, particular elements are more prominent.

Junishi or Japanese Astrology

Japanese style of astrological predictions is known as Junishi. This is based on 12 year cycle of animal years and is gradually gaining popularity.

Numerology

Numerology is the study of numbers and how they relate to us. The study takes into consideration birth date, numeric value of alphabets used in one's name and other basic numerology techniques to determine the future of a person.

Blood Type

Japanese people use person's blood group to determine a person's character. Though there is no scientific theory to back this system of predicting future there are many who believe in it.

History of Baby New Year

The Baby New Year personifies the start of the New Year and is one of the most popular symbol of New Year Eve celebrations. The Baby New Year is a cute and chubby baby who wears nothing more than a diaper and a sash across his torso that shows the year he is representing. This Baby New Year quickly grows up into a elderly bearded man or Father Time (represents the year which is coming to an end) at the end of his year. At this time, he hands over his duties to the next Baby New Year.

The image of Baby New Year is very much popular in China. Besides, depicting the beginning of the New Year, here Baby New Year represents happiness, strength, good luck and prosperity.

History of Baby New Year

It is said that the custom of using a baby to depict the beginning of New Year began in Greece around 600 BC. At that time, the Greeks honored their God of Wine - Dionysus, by parading a baby in a basket. This ritual represent the annual rebirth of Dionysus as the spirit of fertility. Besides, early Egyptians are also said to have used the baby as a symbol of rebirth. 

Early Christians denounced the practice of using a baby as they felt that the custom was Pagan in nature. But the significance of baby as a personification of rebirth later forced the Church to reevaluate its position. Eventually, it was decreed that Church members would be permitted to celebrate the New Year using a symbolic baby, provided it illustrated the birth of the baby Jesus. 

The use of a baby's image as a banner for New Year celebrations was brought to America by the Germans, who had used the effigy since the 14th Century. 

Commercial Use of Baby New Year 

In recent times, Baby New Year is being widely used for commercial purpose. One can find the colourful image of Baby New Year being used in various types of banners, posters and New Year Cards. Banners and posters with Baby New Year image has become an important part of New Year decorations.

http://www.happywink.org/newyearfestival/baby-new-year.html 

New Year In Different Languages

New Year is celebrated in countries across the world. Find out how "Happy New Year" is said in different countries around the world. Use these information to greet and impress your friends who speak a different language other than your mother tongue.

Language	Happy New Year
Afghani	Saale Nao Mubbarak
Afrikaans	Gelukkige nuwe jaar
Albanian	Gezuar Vitin e Ri
Arabic	Antum salimoun
Armenian	Snorhavor Nor Tari
Assyrian	Sheta Brikhta
Azeri	Yeni Iliniz Mubarek!
Bengali	Shuvo Nabo Barsho
Cambodian	Soursdey Chhnam Tmei
Catalan	FELIÇ ANY NOU
Chinese	Chu Shen Tan / Xin Nian Kuai Le
Corsican Language	Pace e Salute
Croatian	Sretna Nova godina!
Cymraeg (Welsh)	Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Czechoslovakia	Scastny Novy Rok
Danish	Godt Nytår
Dhivehi	Ufaaveri Aa Aharakah Edhen
Dutch	GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR!
Eskimo	Kiortame pivdluaritlo
Esperanto	Felican Novan Jaron
Estonians	Head uut aastat!
Ethiopian	MELKAM ADDIS AMET YIHUNELIWO!
Finnish	Onnellista Uutta Vuotta
French	Bonne Annee
Gaelic	Bliadhna mhath ur
German	Prosit Neujahr
Greek	Kenourios Chronos
Gujarati	Nutan Varshbhinandan
Hawaiian	Hauoli Makahiki Hou
Hebrew	L'Shannah Tovah
Hindi	Nav varsh ka shubkamnayein
Hong Kong (Cantonese)	Sun Leen Fai Lok
Hungarian	Boldog Ooy Ayvet
Indonesian	Selamat Tahun Baru
Iranian	Saleh now mobarak
Iraqi	Sanah Jadidah
Irish	Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit
Italian	Felice anno nuovo
Japanese	Akimashite Omedetto Gozaimasu
Kabyle	Asegwas Amegaz
Kannada	Hosa Varushadha Shubhashayagalu
Kisii	SOMWAKA OMOYIA OMUYA
Khmer	Sua Sdei tfnam tmei
Korea	Saehae Bock Mani ba deu sei yo!
Kurdish	NEWROZ PIROZBE
Lithuanian	Laimingu Naujuju Metu
Laotian	Sabai dee pee mai
Macedonian	Srekjna Nova Godina
Malay	Selamat Tahun Baru
Marathi	Nveen Varshachy Shubhechcha
Malayalam	Puthuvatsara Aashamsakal
Maltese	Is-Sena t- Tajba
Nepal	Nawa Barsha ko Shuvakamana
Norwegian	Godt Nyttår
Papua New Guinea	Nupela yia i go long yu
Pashto	Nawai Kall Mo Mubarak Shah
Persian	Saleh now ra tabrik migouyam
Philippines	Manigong Bagong Taon
Polish	Szczesliwego Nowego Roku
Portuguese	Feliz Ano Novo
Punjabi	Nave sal di mubarakan
Romanian	AN NOU FERICIT
Russian	S Novim Godom
Samoa	Manuia le Tausaga Fou
Serbo-Croatian	Sretna nova godina
Sindhi	Nayou Saal Mubbarak Hoje
Singhalese	Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Siraiki	Nawan Saal Shala Mubarak Theevay
Slovak	A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovenian	sreèno novo leto
Somali	Iyo Sanad Cusub Oo Fiican!
Spanish	Feliz Ano ~Nuevo
Swahili	Heri Za Mwaka Mpyaº
Swedish	GOTT NYTT ÅR! /Gott nytt år!
Sudanese	Warsa Enggal
Tamil	Eniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal
Telegu	Noothana samvatsara shubhakankshalu
Thai	Sawadee Pee Mai
Turkish	Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian	Shchastlyvoho Novoho Roku
Urdu	Naya Saal Mubbarak Ho
Vietnamese	Chuc Mung Tan Nien
Uzbek	Yangi Yil Bilan

http://www.happywink.org/newyearfestival/new-year-in-different-languages.html

Look the New Year Superstitions.

People across the globe trust in certain superstitions related to New Year's Day. Underlying idea behind most of these superstitions is that events occurring on New Year's Day sets the pattern for the rest of the year. According to customs prevalent in their society, people perform auspicious acts to invite Lady Luck and ward off evil. Given here are some of the most astonishing and popular New Year Superstitions:

Wear New Clothes

People believe that one should wear new clothes on a New Year's Day. This would mean receiving more new garments during the year. Red clothing is preferred for New Year's Day since red is considered a happy colour and is sure to attract for the wearer a brighter future. 

Avoid Crying

It is said that one should avoid breaking things or crying and wailing on the first day of the year, if you don't want to continue the pattern for the entire year. 

Be Polite

People say that one should behave nicely on New Year and must refrain from using foul language. Ghost stories and conversations on death should also be avoided. 

Lucky New Year Babies

Babies born on 1st January is said to be the luckiest of all throughout their lives. 

Don't Let Money Leave the House

In several countries, people do not let money, jewelry, precious items or other invaluable things leave home on New Year Day. Hence it is said that one should not pay loans and bills or lend things to anybody. People go to the extent of not taking out garbage or even not dusting their carpets on this day to ensure that nothing goes out of home during the year. If you have to deliver presents on New Year morning, it is advised to leave them in the car since New Year Eve on December 31st. In case you must take something out from the home, let someone come with the present inside the home first. 

Letting the Old Year Out 

At midnight, all the doors of a house must be opened to let the old year escape unimpeded. 

Stack Up Cupboards and Wallets

It is believed that cupboards stocked up with food and wallets and purses full of money bring prosperity in New Year. Similarly, empty pockets or empty cupboards on New Years Eve portend a year of poverty. 

Do not Wash Dishes

In several societies washing dishes and doing laundry on New Year's day is said to lead to a death in the family during the year. Many people do not even wash hair on New Year day. 

Do Token Amount of Work

It is said that one must do token amount of work on the New Year's Day. This is said to ensure advancement in career. But starting out a serious work project is unlucky on New Year Day. 

Make Noise

People believe that Evil One and his attendants and servants hate din and loud noise. So, scare them away by being as loud in New Year celebrations as possible. Church bells are rung at midnight for the same reason. 

Don't Keep Debts

Pay your bills and loans before New Year Eve, so you don't have any debt left for New Year. 

Eat Black-Eyes Peas 

In Southern part of the United States it is said that eating of black-eyed peas on New Year's Day will attract both general good luck and money in particular to the one doing the dining. 

Kiss at Midnight 

It is believed that kissing at midnight ensures that affections and ties will continue throughout the New Year. On similar lines, it is said, to not do this would be to set the stage for a year of coldness. 

First Footing

One must never leave the home before someone comes in first. First footer in the house should be ushered in with a warm welcome and should not have flat feet, cross-eyes or eyebrows stretching out to meet in the middle. It would be even better if he came bearing certain small gifts. 

The Direction of Wind

The direction of wind during sunrise on New Year morning prophesies about the coming year. Wind from south foretells fine weather and prosperous times ahead while wind from north foretells bad weather. Wind blowing from east foretells natural calamities and wind from west foretells plenty of milk and fish for all but death of a person of great national importance. No wind means joy and prosperity throughout the year.

Dance in the Open Air 

To dance in the open air, especially round a tree, on New Year's Day ensures luck in love and prosperity and freedom from ill health during the coming twelve months. 

Find Future Groom

On New Year's Day if, on rising, a girl should look out of her bedroom window and see a man passing by, she may reckon to be married before the year is finished. 

Drain the Bottle

You could ensure yourself good fortune by draining the last dregs from a bottle of drink on New Years! 

http://www.happywink.org/newyearfestival/new-year-superstitions.html

Origin Of New Year

New Year is the world's most popularly celebrated festival. Perhaps, everybody would like to know how these celebrations began, from where it originated and what is so important about the festival. Let's give you an insight to the origin of this grand event in a brief form.

Origin of New Year dates back to the era of emperors. They thought of celebrating a special day which should dot a day for beginning and end of the year. First New Year celebrations were noticed in Mesopotamia around 2000 years. It was celebrated at the time of Equinox in mid-March by the Egyptians, Persians and Phoenicians while Greeks celebrated it on winter solstice. 

Ancient New Year Calendar

First New Year celebrations were noticed in Mesopotamia around 2000 years. It was celebrated at the time of Equinox in mid-March by the Egyptians, Persians and Phoenicians while Greeks celebrated it on winter solstice. As per the ancient Roman calendar New Year fell on March 1. This calendar just had ten months and March was the first month of the year. The calendar originated by the cycles of the moon, beginning in spring and ending with autumn planting. 

Inclusion of Two Calendar Months

It was Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome who divided the year into twelve lunar months by adding the months of January and February. The New Year was shifted to January as it marked the beginning of the civil years in Rome. But this was not fully accepted by the people of Rome and they continued celebrating in the month of March only.

January 1- an Official Date of New Year Celebrations

The Roman emperor Julius Caesar officially declared January 1 to be a New Year in 46 B.C. Romans worshiped God Janus who had two faces, one looking forward and the other looking backward. The month of January was named after this Roman God and it gave an idea to the emperor to establish January as a gate to the New Year. It is said Caesar celebrated January 1 - New Year by ordering the revolutionary Jewish forces to route back. 

People began New Year celebrations on January 1 after many years. They ritualized the beginning of the year by acting and re-enacting the world of the past before peace proliferated. People learned January as first month of the year and with this the tradition of following Julian calendar.

Abolition of Roman New Year Date

In the medieval period, pagan festivals were given more importance and March 25 was announced as the beginning of the New Year. March 25 was called the Annunciation Day as on this day Mary got the news that she should be impregnated. 

Later, the King of England ensured that Jesus' birth December 25 should be commemorated as New Year. 

Gregorian Calendar

About 500 years later, Pope Gregory XIII abolished the old Julian calendar and introduced Gregorian calendar which comprised of a leap year after every four years to maintain balance between seasons and calendar. Finally, in 1582, Gregorian calendar was set to celebrate New Year on the first day of January. 

http://www.happywink.org/newyearfestival/origin-of-new-year.html

New Year's Day in United States

New Year's Day falls on January 1 and marks the start of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar. It marks the end of New Year's Eve celebrations in the United States and gives many Americans a chance to remember the previous year. 

What do people do?

The start of New Year's Day, at midnight, is heralded by fireworks, parties and special events, which are often televised. Very few people have to work on the day itself. For many it is a day of recovery from the New Year's Eve celebrations the previous night. In some towns and cities, parades are held and special football games are played. The birth of the first baby in the New Year is often celebrated with gifts to his or her parents and appearances in local newspapers and on local news shows. Many people make New Year's resolutions. These are usually promises to themselves that they will improve something in their own lives. Common New Year's resolutions are to stop smoking or drinking alcohol, to lose weight, exercise more or to live a healthier lifestyle.

Public life

Government offices, organizations, schools and many businesses are closed in the USA on New Year's Day. Public transit systems do not run on their regular schedules. Where large public celebrations have been held, traffic may be disrupted by the clean-up operation. In general, public life is completely closed down.

Background

The Gregorian calendar is widely used in many countries such as the United States. This was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. The Julian calendar that had been in use until then was slightly inaccurate, causing the vernal equinox to move backwards in the calendar year. The Gregorian calendar was not accepted everywhere and some churches, particularly with origins in Eastern Europe, still use other calendars. According to the Gregorian calendar, the first day of the year is January 1.

Symbols

A common symbol of New Year's Day is Baby New Year. This is often a white male baby dressed in a diaper, a hat and a sash. The year he represents is printed on his sash. He rarely a newborn baby, as many pictures show him sitting up or even standing alone. According to mythology, Baby New Year grows up and ages in a single year. At the end of the year he is an old man and hands his role over to the next Baby New Year. Other symbols of New Year's Day are spectacular fireworks exploding over landmarks and clocks striking midnight as the year begins.

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/new-year-day

How to Decorate a Banquet Hall for Christmas

1.- Arrange the tables and chairs to accomodate for seating of all invited individuals. Drape the tables, and chairs if desired, with linens. To make the seating festive, use Christmas specific linens or simply use linens in Christmas colors, red and green.

2.-Wind Christmas lights around banisters, poles and tack along walls. If desired, wrap the lights around the edges of tables as well. Use white lights or colorful lights, or even a mixture of the two, depending on your preference.

3.- Set mood lighting with some festively colored candles in red, green, gold and silver. Position them in low traffic areas where they are not likely to be bumped and knocked over.

4.- Set up a collage of past year Christmas parties. This could be applicable regardless if the party is family or business orientated. Either way it well help to establish a sense of holiday nostalgia.

5.- Hang stocking on the wall or mantle if applicable. Cluster colorful ornaments in a bowl in the center of each table as a centerpiece. Place a candy cane at each place setting.

By Michelle Aveyard-Barry, 

http://www.ehow.com/how_6196156_decorate-banquet-hall-christmas.html

The Colors of Christmas

There are several colors which are traditionally associated with Christmas. This site uses Red, Green and Gold. But why do we have them and what do the colors represent?

Most the colors and their meanings come from the western/northern european traditions and customs, when Christmas is in the middle of winter and it's dark and cold.

Green

Evergreen plants, like Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and that winter wouldn't last forever!

The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid winter festivals.

In many parts of Europe during the middle ages, Paradise plays were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. The 'Paradise Tree' in the garden of eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it.

Now the most common use of green at Christmas are Christmas Trees.

Red

As mentioned above, an early use of red at Christmas were the apples on the paradise tree. They represented the fall of Adam in the plays.

Red is also the color of Holly berries, which is said to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross.

Red is also the color of Bishops robes. These would have been worn by St. Nicholas and then also became Santa's uniform!

Gold

Gold is the color of the Sun and light - both very important in the dark winter. And both red and gold are the colors of fire that you need to keep you warm.

Gold was also one of the presents brought to the baby Jesus by one of the wise men and traditionally it's the color used to show the star that the wise men followed.

Silver is sometimes used instead of (or with) gold. But gold is a 'warmer' color.

White

White is often associated with purity and peace in western cultures. The snow of winter is also very white!

White paper wafers were also sometimes used to decorate paradise trees. The wafers represented the bread eaten during Christian Communion or Mass, when Christians remember that Jesus died for them.

White is used by most churches as the color of Christmas, when the altar is covered with a white cloth (in the Russian Orthodox Church Gold is used for Christmas).

Blue

The color blue is often associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus. In medieval times blue dye and paint was more expensive than gold! So it would only be worn by Royal families and very rich people. Mary was often painted wearing blue to show she was very important.

Blue can also represent the color of the sky and heaven.

During Advent, purple and sometimes blue is used in most churches fort he colour of the altar cloth (in the Russian Orthodox Church red is used for advent).

http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/colors-of-christmas.shtml

Santa Claus by Many Names

The jolly elf most Christian teens know as Santa Claus goes by many other names around the world. Like many Christmas symbols and traditions he has evolved from old stories and practices. 

St. Nicholas:

Once there was a monk known as St. Nicholas. He was born in Patara (near what we now know as Turkey) in 280 AD. He was known to be very kind, and that reputation led to many legends and stories. One story involved him giving away his inherited wealth while he helped those who were sick and poor around the country. Another story is that he saved three sisters from being sold into slavery. Eventually he became known as the protector of children and sailors. He died on December 6th, and so there is now a celebration of his life on that day.

Sinter Klass:

The Dutch maintained the celebration of St. Nicholas far more than other cultures, and brought that celebration to America. The Dutch gave St. Nicholas the nickname, "Sinter Klass", and by 1804 woodcuts of Sinter Klass came to define modern day images of Santa. Washington Irving popularized Sinter Klass in The History of New York by defining him as the patron saint of the city.

Christkind:

Christkind, which is German for "Christ Child," was considered something like an angel that went along with St.Nicholas on his missions. He would bring presents to good children in Switzerland and Germany. He is sprite-like, often drawn with blond hair and angel wings.

Kris Kringle:

There are two theories on the origin of Kris Kringle. One is that the name is simply a mispronunciation and misunderstanding of the Christkind tradition. The other is that Kris Kringle began as Belsnickle among the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 1820s. He would ring his bell and give out cakes and nuts to small children, but if they misbehaved they would receive a spanking with his rod.

Father Christmas:

In England, Father Christmas comes down the chimney and visits homes on Christmas Eve. He leaves treats in children's stockings. He would traditionally leave small toys and presents. Children would leave out mince pies and milk or brandy for him.

Pere Noel:

Pere Noel puts treats in the shoes of well-behaved French children. He is joined in his travels by Pere Fouettard. Pere Fouettard is the one who provides the spankings to bad children. While wooden shoes were used historically, today chocolate wooden shoes are filled with candies to commemorate the holiday. Northern France celebrates St. Nicholas Eve on December 6th, so Pere Noel visits then and on Christmas Day.

Babouschka:

There are several stories about Babouschka in Russia. One is that she put off traveling with the Wise Men to see the Baby Jesus, instead opting to have a party, and regretted it afterward. So she set out every year to find the baby Jesus and give Him her gifts. Instead, she does not find him and gives the gifts to the children she finds along the way. Another story is that she purposefully misled the wisemen, and soon realized her sin. She places gifts at the bedsides of Russian children, hoping that one of them is the baby Jesus and that He will forgive her sins.

Santa Claus:

Christmas shopping has been a tradition since the early 19th century. By 1820 stores advertised Christmas shopping, and by 1840 there were already separate holiday ads that featured Santa. In 1890 the Salvation Army began dressing up unemployed workers as Santa and having them solicit donations throughout New York. You can still see those Santas outside stores and on street corners today.

Yet it was Clement Clarke Moore, and Episcopal Minister, and Thomas Nast, a cartoonist, that brought us the epitome of our modern day Santa. In 1822 he wrote a long poem titled, An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas. It is what we now know as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and it gave us many of the modern day characteristics of Santa such as his sleigh, laughter, and ability to fly up a chimney. It was Nast that drew the cartoon of Santa in 1881 that depicted him with a round belly, white beard, large smile, and carrying a sack of toys. He gave Santa the red and white suit that we know so well today. He also provided Santa with his North Pole workshop, elves, and Mrs. Claus.

By Kelli Mahoney,

http://christianteens.about.com/od/christianholidays/p/WhoIsSanta.htm

The Origins of Santa Claus!!

Early Christian Influence:

Although Santa Claus is originally based upon St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop from Lycia (now in Turkey), the figure is also strongly influenced by early Norse religion. Saint Nicholas was known for giving gifts to the poor. In one notable story, he met a pious but impoverished man who had three daughters. He presented the with dowries to save them from a life of prostitution. In most European countries, St. Nicholas is still portrayed as a bearded bishop, wearing clerical robes. He became a patron saint of many groups, particularly children, the poor, and prostitutes.

Odin and His Mighty Horse:

Among early Germanic tribes, one of the major deities was Odin, the ruler of Asgard. A number of similarities exist between some of Odin's escapades and those of the figure who would become Santa Claus. Odin was often depicted as leading a hunting party through the skies, during which he rode his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. In the 13th-century Poetic Edda, Sleipnir is described as being able to leap great distances, which some scholars have compared to the legends of Santa's reindeer. Odin was typically portrayed as an old man with a long, white beard -- much like St. Nicholas himself.

Treats for the Tots:

During the winter, children placed their boots near the chimney, filling them with carrots or straw as a gift for Sleipnir. When Odin flew by, he rewarded the little ones by leaving gifts in their boots. In several Germanic countries, this practice survived despite the adoption of Christianity. As a result, the gift-giving became associated with St. Nicholas -- only nowadays, we hang stockings rather than leaving boots by the chimney!

Santa Comes to the New World:

When Dutch settlers arrived in New Amsterdam, they brought with them their practice of leaving shoes out for St. Nicholas to fill with gifts. They also brought the name Sinterklaas, which later morphed into Santa Claus. Although a the Dutch version of St. Nicholas was written about by author Washington Irving around 1809, it was about 15 years later that the figure of Santa as we know it today was introduced. This came in the form of a narrative poem by a man named Clement C. Moore.

The Night Before Christmas:

Moore's poem, originally titled A Visit from St. Nicholas is commonly known today as Twas the Night Before Christmas. Moore went as far as to elaborate on the names of Santa's reindeer, and provide a rather Americanized, secular description of the "jolly old elf."

By Patti Wigington

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/yulethelongestnight/p/Santa_Claus.htm

Santa Claus. I do believe history tells us he was a Christian.

His name, “Santa Claus” is an Anglicized form of the Dutch Sinter Klaas, which in turn means “Saint Nicholas.” Nicholas was a Christian bishop in the fourth century who apparently attended the Council of Nicea and supported the doctrine of the Trinity (Father, Son and the Holy Ghost)

The tradition that he was especially kind toward children, even giving them gifts, is very likely based on fact. Thus Christians might justifiably look to the real Saint Nicholas as a hero of the Christian faith.

Merry Christmas Word Race Game!!

Easy Christmas Party Game

Supplies Needed:

Piece of Paper for Each Player

Pen or Pencil for Each Player

How to Play the Game:

Give each party goer a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. You can have the words "Merry Christmas" printed at the top of each page or you can have each player write it on top of their paper. Set a time limit of 3 to 5 minutes and see how many words, at least 3 letters long, can be made using only the letters from "Merry Christmas".

Whom ever makes the most words wins.

By Sherri Osborn, About.com Guide

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/miscchristmas/a/Merry-Christmas-Word-Race-Game.htm

How do you say "Merry Christmas" in Japanese?

There is no Japanese word for "Merry Christmas." People just say it as an English word with Japanese pronunciation: "Merii Kurisumasu 

When saying "Happy Birthday" or "Happy New Year," "omedetou （おめでとう）" is used for "Happy ~." The Japanese have adapted many western customs, however phrases like "Happy Valentines," "Happy Easter," "Happy Halloween," or "Happy Holidays" are not widely used. 

http://japanese.about.com/library/blqow33.htm

5 Tips to Reduce Employee Holiday Party Expenses !!

Some colleagues think that the company event planner has the most fun job in the company: planning the big employee holiday party. This is not always the case, especially when the planner is directed behind closed doors to save money on the event.
So what can he or she present to do to reduce costs? Many options do exist, but when employees have grown accustomed to certain expectations, changes in the employee holiday party will have pros and cons. Consider the following ideas:

1. Schedule the Party During the Day.
As a general budgeting rule for business meals: lunch menus are always more cost effective than dinner menus from restaurants, hotel banquets or independent caterers.
For those organizations that typically hold employee holiday parties in the evening, changing to an afternoon event is one of the most cost effective ways to manage expenses. Estimated Savings: 15-20%.

Pros:
Eliminates the need to use personal time for a company event.
Increases the number of venue options available to consider.
Reminds everyone that they are at a company event, not a personal party.

Cons:
Reduced attendance because many functions cannot fully shut down.
Noticeable change that tells employees the organization is cutting costs.



2. Control Decorating Expenses.
Hotels and other venues are usually already be decorated in neutral holiday themes. Still, some expenses are difficult to avoid: centerpieces, linen rentals, etc.
Planners must still incorporate decorations that are sensitive to the all guests. Try to save money by using complimentary linens, and opt to replace flower centerpieces with colorful candles and bowls of candy when possible. Estimated Savings: 10%.

Pros:
Subtle changes often go unrecognized by guests.
Holiday patterned linen rentals can be reduced using plain colors.
Planner may incorporate company themes to decorations.

Cons:
The wrong selection of linens may be viewed critically by guests.
Decoration expenses may be necessary to expand celebration themes.

3. Eliminate Employee Gifts at the Party.
Remember, the holiday party is considered the employee gift, so it is not necessary to include party favors and other small appreciation gifts.
Some organizations feel it is necessary to give each employee some small gift for attending the event because they feel it is an important element of the event. If the business insists on gifts, opt to raffle a few larger prizes or the centerpieces. Estimated Savings: $10 per person.

Pros:
This change often goes unnoticed.
Reduces set-up time needed to showcase presents.
Allows the planner to avoid other cost reductions (e.g., catering).

Cons:
Employees who cannot attend (e.g., due to work) will feel they received nothing.
Employee gifts can be perceived as another form of award.

4. Manage Catering Choices.
Small changes in the catering selections may be made that can result in measurable savings.
Examples: Plated vs. buffet style. Seven course meals may become five. Six passed canopies may be reduced to five, with a small decrease in total pieces. Filet mignon may be replaced with lamb chops. Crab legs are more cost effective than lobster tail. Three dessert choices may be reduced to two. Bar selections may be predetermined in advance. Estimated Savings: 5-10%.

Pros:
It is relatively easy to manage costs at the point of selecting catering.
Venues and caterers usually have packaged options based on price.

Cons:
Risk not pleasing everyone's taste preferences.

5. Hire a DJ Instead of a Band.
Band members typically get paid a minimum of $1200-1600 for a three hours, four performers. On the other hand, a DJ charges about half that price. Estimated Savings: 50%.

Pros:
Increased variety of music.
Reduced expense associated with entertainment.

Cons:
Risks allowing employees to request inappropriate music.
Risks associated with creating too much of a casual party atmosphere.

From Rob Hard,

http://eventplanning.about.com/od/eventplanningbasics/tp/reduce_holiday_party_expenses.htm